The SNP has criticised the UK government for driving people further into poverty as the Tories announced they would be taking away vital support for families when they need it most.
SNP MSP Shona Robison highlighted her concerns at First Minster’s Questions today (Thursday) that the decision to freeze public sector pay, scrap a proposed increase to the National Minimum Wage and not extend the £20 uplift to Universal Credit and Working Tax Credits will force families further into poverty.
The move demonstrates the stark difference in approach from the Scottish Government compared to the callous decisions taken by the Tory UK government.
In Scotland, the SNP has introduced, amongst other measures, the ‘game-changing’ Scottish Child Payment, the Best Start Grant and the Scottish Child Winter Heating Assistance in the first two years of establishing its own devolved benefits system.
Commenting, SNP MSP and co-covener of the social justice commission Shona Robison said:
“Despite having only existed for two years, Social Security Scotland has forged a different path and philosophy for Scotland’s benefits system compared with the dehumanising and demoralising system at Westminster.
“There has been no greater demonstration of that than in the past few weeks when the Tories have swept the rug from the under the feet of the most vulnerable when they needed it most by refusing to extend the Universal Credit uplift and ditching plans to increase the minimum wage.
“These decisions by the Chancellor will push more and more families to the brink and leave them struggling to pay bills, put food on the table and clothe their children.
“Many will have been relying on the Chancellor to bring some Christmas cheer – but we could see record numbers of people visiting foodbanks this festive season.
“In Scotland, we will continue to deliver a social security system that is kind, compassionate and dignified. With the full powers over benefits that independence would bring, we can continue to build a progressive society that does not punish those most in need.”
ENDS